The Canadian federal government has refrained from directly addressing a Toronto city council proposal that opposes the participation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow initiated the motion, which was passed last week, urging the federal public safety and foreign affairs ministers to disallow any ICE deployment.
Toronto is set to host the opening game of the tournament when Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Responding to inquiries about ICE involvement, the office of federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that Canadian law enforcement agencies have exclusive jurisdiction over law enforcement activities within Canada.
While the spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Anandasangaree assured ongoing coordination with federal and local partners to ensure the security of all FIFA World Cup events in Toronto and Vancouver, there was no direct response regarding the possibility of ICE deployment. Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand’s spokesperson reiterated that matters concerning domestic public safety are overseen by Canadian law enforcement officials.
Canada, in collaboration with the United States and Mexico, is co-hosting the 39-day tournament, with thirteen matches scheduled to be held in Toronto and Vancouver. Although Vancouver city councillors also proposed a similar motion opposing ICE deployment during the World Cup games earlier this year, it did not progress.
ICE currently operates from five offices across Canada, including Toronto and Vancouver. The agency’s involvement in security at past events, like the recent winter Olympic Games in Italy, has raised concerns. Amnesty International highlighted the potential risks associated with any ICE presence in Canada during the World Cup, emphasizing the likelihood of protests against ICE and the Trump administration’s policies.
Amnesty International Canada has expressed alarm at the idea of ICE agents operating in Canada, emphasizing the need to reject cooperation with ICE. The presence of ICE agents has raised fears within communities due to past controversies and alleged civil rights violations during deportation operations.
Experts have called for clarification from the federal government on why ICE is permitted to function in Canada, considering its controversial activities in the United States. While the motions presented by Toronto and Vancouver councils aim to reassure citizens, further clarity on the sovereignty of Canada concerning ICE presence is sought to alleviate concerns among the public. Concerns about ICE’s track record and its potential impact on international events have led to calls for transparency and reassurance from the government.